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Microsoft blocks players from using Xbox One consoles early

Video game fans are really excited about the new consoles that are coming out this month, the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Many want to be the first to get their hands on them.

A few Microsoft fans got what seemed to be a dream come true weeks before Xbox One’s Nov. 22 release date, in that Target shipped a handful of gamers their consoles early.
The problem is they can’t play them, and it appears it’s not a technical issue. Microsoft simply isn’t allowing it.

One Microsoft fan, who goes by the Twitter handle @Moonlightswami, was so enthused about getting his console early he posted YouTube videos about it and changed his Twitter name to “#1 Source 4 XBOX ONE.” Then he tweeted this:

And now my console is banned. Interesting. Legally purchased game, and system. @Microsoft you got some splaining to do.

Microsoft had remotely cut him off from using his account on Xbox Live, the online service for players on Microsoft consoles. For players to be able to play games or otherwise use Xbox One, they must have an active Xbox Live account.

Larry Hyrb, director of programming for Xbox Live, posted this to his blog about @Moonlightswami’s case and a few others like it:

Due to a retail partner’s system issue, a very small number of Xbox One consoles were shipped to consumers before the 11/22 street date. We’re pleased to see the initial response to Xbox One has been so positive, but given we are still putting the finishing touches on our games, UI and online services, as well as confidential partner and media agreements, these console units will be restricted from connecting to Xbox Live until closer to our launch date.

We love that @Moonlightswami is excited about Xbox One and we can’t wait for him to enjoy it closer to launch.

Business Insider’s Julie Bort observed, “Seems as if Microsoft could have benefited from having a few happy, excited Xbox One users talking up the new console as we move toward the holiday season.”